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02 Dec, 2022 by Judy fertel
I can’t say enough good things about Anthony and his assistant Mary. Incredibly kind at a moment in my life when I was literally falling apart. Anthony’s 30 years of experience and knowledge of the law ran circles around the other side and there were even a few times when my ex husbands attorney asked him for help with the details of law . I ended up with everything I asked for and more. I’m not exaggerating. The house , alimony , all of it .I highly recommend you hire him . At the end of a long journey together working on my case we were even laughing . I’ll actually miss them . ❤️
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21 Sep, 2022 by Irene miller
Anthony has been a HUGE help in finalizing our Will. He is a caring and understanding man.We would recommend him to any of our family and friends.
Irene Rogers
Cornelius Rogers Jr.
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26 Feb, 2022 by Wolverine 903
Very friendly staff and attorney.
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05 Mar, 2024 by Tiffany
I am a Domestic Violence Survivor. I have a double Major in psychology and Elementary Education with a minor in early childhood education. I was a teacher for United Cerebral Palsy and now I can now longer work due to a TBI I suffer from the blows to my head from my husband. I have humbly applied for a poor person's application which goes to a Supreme Court Judge, who then makes the decision to either deny or grant the petition. I was blessed to be granted council and was assigned to Mr Hillman. My background is important because although I’m unable to work due to my disability, I now spend my “good’ days, although they come and go, volunteering my time helping others, mostly the elderly, usually to bring a little joy back into their lives by helping them clean out flower beds, gardens, overgrowth, overwhelming rooms or garages. Volunteering is like therapy for me, so by helping others in what gets me functioning.
I am a very patient and understanding, open minded and forgiving person, however after initially emailing Mr Hillman with some information introducing myself and receiving no response, and then leaving several messages with his staff to schedule an appointment I finally got to speak with Mr Hillman after 2 months of constant attempts. (Please remember I am considered to be a “Pro-Bono” client) the first thing Mr Hillman said in an unexpectedly stern voice to me was “I don’t travel,” Now I did just relayed I was understanding, so I quickly responded with” I understand,” I will drive the hour to meet with him. He then proceeds to tell me he had no paperwork for me (as I hear him shuffling through his papers on his desk) I try to explain how I became his client, and explained I also sent an email when I first received his information, and he replied with “oh there you are, right here at the bottom of the pile.” I ended the conversation with an appointment and a very uncertain feeling about the representation I was about to receive. Mr Hillmans actions were a sign of someone who had no interest in my divorce, yet I still walked into Mr. Hillmans office with a positive and hopeful attitude because I am genuinely grateful to have been given help.
Knowing nothing about me or my case along with the obvious disinterest, the first thing Mr. Hillman told me he was going to do was change the reason for my divorce from Cruel and inhumane treatment (which is the reason for divorce) to irreconcilable differences while claiming they would give me the same results (which is far from the truth) Mr. Hillman looked right at me and blurted out “There is no way you can prove abuse” I politely interrupted to explain I could prove abuse, and then he brazenly explained “THAT WOULD TAKE A LOT OF TIME, ANDI’M NOT GETTING PAID.”” I literally put my head down in shock of his blatant discrimination. Sitting on the edge of my seat already riddled with anxiety, feeling belittled and fear, and most importantly defeated.
It’s a very sad time when your lawyer treats you disrespectfully by bullying his clients, those very same people Mr Hillman took an oath to give representation He wanted to control how I did things solely based on his need to make money or lack there of. He was arrogant, he lacked respect, social skills and even knowledge of the law (at least pertaining to my situation) nor did he do anything to prepare after I traveled over an hour to see him.
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02 Dec, 2022 by Judy fertel
I can’t say enough good things about Anthony and his assistant Mary. Incredibly kind at a moment in my life when I was literally falling apart. Anthony’s 30 years of experience and knowledge of the law ran circles around the other side and there were even a few times when my ex husbands attorney asked him for help with the details of law . I ended up with everything I asked for and more. I’m not exaggerating. The house , alimony , all of it .I highly recommend you hire him . At the end of a long journey together working on my case we were even laughing . I’ll actually miss them . ❤️
Read more
21 Sep, 2022 by Irene miller
Anthony has been a HUGE help in finalizing our Will. He is a caring and understanding man.We would recommend him to any of our family and friends.
Irene Rogers
Cornelius Rogers Jr.
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FAQs
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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You
A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.
Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?
Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:
- Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
- Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
- Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
- Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
- Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.
Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:
- Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
- Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
- Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
- Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
- Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
- Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
- Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.
How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?
Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:
- Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
- Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
- Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.
The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.
How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:
- Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
- Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
- Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer
Before hiring a family law lawyer, it's important to ask questions to ensure they're the right fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask during your consultation:
-
What experience do you have with family law cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption. -
How will you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or requires a retainer. Ask for an estimate of the total costs involved. -
What are the possible outcomes of my case?
An experienced lawyer should be able to give you a general idea of what to expect based on the facts of your case. -
What is your approach to resolving disputes?
Ask whether the lawyer tends to favor negotiation and mediation or whether they prefer to take cases to court. This can help you determine if their style matches your goals. -
How long do you expect my case to take?
While it’s difficult to predict, the lawyer should give you an estimate based on similar cases. -
Who will be handling my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may do much of the work, so make sure you understand who will be your main point of contact.
How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:
- Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
- Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
- Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:
- Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
- List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
- Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
- Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
- Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.
Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.
